Kim Jong Un 'unwell', says North Korean state media

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has been noticeably absent from the public eye in recent weeks, fueling speculation about the cause. State media says he’s suffering "discomfort," but how serious it is remains unclear.

Deutsche Welle, 26 Sep 2014

In a rare move, North Korean state media reported that its young leader, Kim Jong Un, was unwell. The comment preceded a North Korean parliamentary session, which the dictator noticeably did not attend.

Kim Jong Un, who is thought to be 30 or 31 years old, last appeared in public on September 3, when he attended a concert alongside his wife. Speculation about his health had already been circulating since the summer after he was seen walking with a noticeable limp in July.

The Stalinist regime's state media aired a documentary on Thursday night ahead of the North Korean parliamentary session in which it commented on the dictator's health.

Kim continues to "passionately lead the way for his people despite suffering discomfort," the narrator said at one point.

Chinese media has also continued to depict the young dictator as "enthusiastically" leading his people, in contrast to coverage in South Korea, where journalists have speculated that the overweight leader could be suffering from gout, high blood pressure or diabetes.

However, Kim's presence was still felt this week, with the nomination of confidante, Hwang Pyong-So, to North Korea's Defense Commission on Thursday.

"Even if he's not in great shape, there appears to be little change in Kim's grip on power," said Yang Moo-Jin, professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, to news agency AFP.

Kim Jong Un rose to power three years ago after his father, Kim Jong Il, died of a heart attack. The young leader has maintained a high-profile in the North Korean media and has repeatedly attempted to exert his power by threatening to attack South Korea and the United States.

kms/jr (AP, AFP, dpa)